Muscat hails depleted Victory

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has praised his depleted side after claiming a point away from home in Friday night's 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has praised his depleted side after claiming a point away from home in Friday night's 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets.

The Victory were without Mark Milligan (knee), Adrian Leijer (suspended), Nick Ansell, Scott Galloway, Jason Geria and Connor Pain (all international duty), while Archie Thompson remained on the bench until making his return from injury in the second half.

"I am pleased for the players, that is for sure," Muscat said.

"Four players away with the Olympic team, some injuries and a suspension, so we knew it was going to be difficult.

"We hung in there – we conceded a goal from a free-kick that was awarded, not conceded in my view. Then we showed some structure in the second half and scored a very good goal."

Newcastle coach van Egmond was critical of his side for wasting chances in the front third and conceding a goal on the counter.

"We had a number of real good chances but it is the same old story – we've got to be better in that front third," he said.

"I am more critical of us defensively. I thought it was a poor goal that we let in. We spoke about exactly what they would look to do – it wasn't as if we didn't know so that was disappointing."

Meanwhile, the Jets have been boosted by the signing of Johnny Warren medallist Joel Griffiths for the remainder of the A-League season.

Griffiths returns to Newcastle after spending the past five seasons in China plus a short spell with Sydney FC.

"It was more about love over money, that was the biggest thing," Griffiths said.

"There were definitely offers from other clubs involving much, much more money, but I've always wanted to come back to where it all began and I've been going to bed dreaming about this move.

"I just followed my heart this time. Most of my career I've been following my head, especially when I left the Jets before, but this decision was all about my heart.

"I'm really happy with how everything has panned out and I'm very excited to play in Newcastle again."